My parents can no longer drive due to health issues. They are fully accepting of this although it took a bit of getting used to. I drive them most places, especially to appointments as most of them are at a hospital 20 miles away with not brilliant public transport from our town, and their conditions mean that this wouldnt be a good idea anyway.
So they sold their car. All good and very happy to get a good price for the car. Then there was a throwaway comment "and we always have your car dont we?!". Then a few weeks ago I had my MOT which brought up a few issues which I have struggled to pay for but managed it. When I went shopping for them I had to say that they would need to give me the money up front as I was struggling until payday because of the MOT and one of them said that I should budget for MOTs.
This has pissed me off. They know I have no savings as I am on carers allowance and UC because of what I do with them and work a couple of shifts a week locally.
Its brought home to me that the car is their convenience but my responsibility. They do put fuel in it every few months or so but thats it. I know if I ask for a contribution towards the car costs due to its increased use (I would never go to the city with the hospital in it for example as I have no need), they would agree to pay but be a bit put out, same if I say I cant afford the car anymore and will get rid of it as realistically I could do without it.
But does that make me a bitch? Part of me thinks it does and part of me thinks that a few quid a week (even if they put in a little pot towards the MOT or something) wouldnt be a big ask. In every other way we are a very happy family and love them very much and know that they love me, I just dont think that this issue has crossed their minds.
Genuinely dont know if IABU.
YABU - Its your car, you pay for it
YANBU - They get full advantage of the car and a driver, they should contribute